Queensland Derby Night The Best In Years

The bookies will have trouble deciding opening prices this Thursday night at Albion Park for the running of the 36th Group Two Queensland Derby.

The exciting heats last week produced a multitude of potential winners, and the box draw has evened the $38,000 race considerably.

To make doing the form more difficult, Setanta has been scratched from the race, which makes way for Group One Maturity winner Fedex to fill the box five vacancy and confirm the best Queensland Derby field in years.
The fastest qualifier in 30.09, High Earner, will need to continue his quick starting form from box four to try and take the lead, with Surfin Silence (box one), Jamaican Bolt (box three), Dyna Lachlan (box six) and Bogie Bomber (box eight) all running strong first sectionals in their heats, and now Fedex, who is sure to improve on his first start at the track.

High Earner, who is the reigning WA Derby winner, is expected to start marginally favourite considering his heat time and experience at the Brisbane track, including a best time from April of 29.76.

The Peter Giles-trained performer Jamaican Bolt showed Olympic speed last week, and the inside box should favour him with his consistent quick first sectionals making him a fair chance of getting him to the rail first.

However, Mal Dawson’s Surfin Silence has shown he can come out of the boxes firing also, boasting a 5.70 first sectional to win last week, and a best time from March of 30.03.

Dyna Lachlan will be hunting for eight straight wins from nine starts, winning by nine lengths in his heat and improving with each time he takes to the sand at Albion Park.

Tony Brett’s Bogie Bomber from box eight will be a strong chance, considering his best time of 29.96 earlier this year. Tony Brett’s form at the moment is also sure to make a big impact.

Another Brisbane has not seen much of is Kenneth Cheetham’s Take The Kitty, which won convincingly from box three in 30.18 ahead of Dashing Corsair. For only his first start on the track off one trial, he should only improve.

The Sky Channel Winter Chasing Carnival keeps getting better, and this week will also feature the heats of the Group Three Big Dog Cup 600m, formerly known as the Queensland Cup.

In Heat One (Race Three) consistent Albion Park runner Bounding will jump from box two and would have to be considered the favourite in this race considering her win record and knowledge of the track.

However, Barry Lazzarni has decided to bring his smart chaser up from Sydney, who boasts a near perfect distance record at Richmond and Wentworth Park.